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Unnecessary clinical tests in ophthalmology
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society
|October 24, 2006
Summary
Unnecessary clinical tests in ophthalmology are common, often driven by research or routine protocols rather than patient needs. Minimizing these tests is crucial for reducing costs and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Testing
- Medical Economics
Background:
- Unnecessary clinical tests are prevalent in ophthalmic practice.
- Clinicians often cite research or routine protocols as justifications for these tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and discuss unnecessary clinical tests in ophthalmology.
- To review justifications for unnecessary testing.
- To propose a more rational approach to clinical testing.
Main Methods:
- Defining unnecessary clinical tests.
- Analyzing clinician justifications for ordering tests.
- Critiquing common justifications.
Main Results:
- Unnecessary tests include those for new instruments, research data, routine categories, and duplicates.
- Common justifications are critiqued.
- Problems include increased costs, poorer outcomes, and unethical practice.
Conclusions:
- Unnecessary testing is a significant issue in US ophthalmic practice.
- Awareness and minimization efforts by clinicians, especially academic ophthalmologists, are essential.
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